Fourth-year sociology student Alia Cave understands how difficult it is to know where to turn after being impacted by gender or sexual-based violence.

As a Gender and Sexual Violence Peer Support Assistant in Brock’s Office of Human Rights and Equity (HRE), she works to ensure students know that they are believed, their voice matters and that there are resources available to support them on their path to recovery.

Cave has been named as the EDI Changemaker of the Month for August in recognition of her work in the Peer 2 Peer program and her role in leading accessibility programming. Awarded by the HRE, EDI Changemakers are Brock students, staff or faculty who have helped advance equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) on campus.

“I am so grateful to be nominated for this award — I have learned so much from my peers, colleagues and community,” Cave said. “Gender and sexual violence support and education is something I have always been passionate about and engaging in this work has highlighted the profound impact that these resources have in supporting the community.”

Cave assists in operating a peer support drop-in program, located in Thistle 128A, and facilitates educational workshops and events on gender-based and sexual violence awareness and intersecting issues.

“The Gender and Sexual Violence Support and Education team plays a crucial role in providing resources and assistance to those affected by gender-based and sexual violence,” she said. “This work helps the community become more involved in ending gender-based and sexual violence and allows folks to seek support or learn about topics such as consent, bystander intervention and healthy relationships.”

Katie Keays, Manager, Gender and Sexual Violence Intake in HRE, says Cave is a “remarkable changemaker” whose leadership, compassion and commitment has contributed to meaningful change for the students she supports and the broader Brock community.

“Her dedication to gender and sexual violence advocacy, as well as her deep understanding of anti-ableism, is truly inspiring,” she said. “She works tirelessly to create safer, more inclusive spaces for all, and her genuine care for others shines through in everything she does.”

Cave’s accessibility programming includes organizing workshops, events and sharing accessibility resources on anti-ableism, disability and gender-based and sexual violence education.

“The focus of this work is to educate the community on how gender-based and sexual violence intersect with disability, and to draw attention to anti-ableism initiatives,” she said.

Students in need of support regarding gender-based and/or sexual violence can find online resources on Brock’s Office of Human Rights and Equity website or can contact the Gender and Sexual Violence Team directly at svsec@brocku.ca

EDI Changemaker criteria and nomination information is available on the HRE website.